General Kang Gam-chan's Third War

the Third War of the Goryeo Dynasty

General Kang Gam-chan's Third War

 

The Goryeo Dynasty, established after the fall of Goguryeo, faced three invasions by the Khitans during its early years. The Khitans, dominant in the northern part of the Chinese continent, saw Goryeo as a potential threat to their ambitions of controlling mainland China. Additionally, Goryeo's friendly ties with the Song Dynasty, a rival of the Khitans, further fueled these invasions.

 

The first invasion took place in October 993, under King Seongjong's reign. Goryeo's diplomat Seo Hee successfully negotiated, highlighting Goryeo's historical roots in Goguryeo, leading to the Khitans' withdrawal and the acquisition of six provinces in Gangdong by Goryeo.

 

A second invasion occurred in 1010, during King Hyeonjong's rule. The Khitans realized the strategic value of the Gangdong provinces. Goryeo faced significant losses, including the fall of its capital, Gaegyeong. However, the persistent resistance led by General Yang Gyu, including rear attacks on the Khitan army, eventually resulted in a peace agreement and the Khitans' retreat.

 

The final invasion happened in December 1018, led by Khitan General So Bae-ap with an army of 100,000. This invasion was triggered by Goryeo's failure to honor commitments made during the Ganghwa period, such as a royal visit to the Khitan. In response, Goryeo deployed generals Kang Gam-chan and Kang Min-cheom to counter the Khita

 

During the third invasion by the Khitans in 1018, General Gang Gam-chan of the Goryeo army ingeniously defended against the formidable Khitan forces. The initial encounter took place at Heunghwajin, where Gam-chan employed a strategic water tactic. He constructed a dam upstream using cowhide, holding back the river's flow. As the main Khitan force crossed the Yalu River, he released the dam, causing a sudden surge that caught the Khitan army off guard and inflicted severe losses.

 

The early defeat significantly demoralized the Khitan army. They opted to avoid direct confrontation with Goryeo's forces, maneuvering through mountainous terrains towards Gaegyeong. However, the harsh winter conditions, characterized by intense cold and scarcity of food, further exhausted the Khitan soldiers. Additionally, Gaegyeong’s formidable defenses proved insurmountable, forcing the Khitan army to commence a retreat.

 

In a decisive move, the Goryeo army, consolidating forces from nearby castles, launched a comprehensive attack on the retreating Khitans at Gwiju, near the Yalu River. This offensive resulted in the near annihilation of the Khitan army, with only a few thousand of the initial 100,000 soldiers surviving the campaign.

 

the defeat of the Khitan in the Third War

The crucial victories at Heunghwajin and Guizhou during the third Khitan invasion were instrumental in Goryeo's defense strategy. These locations were part of the six provinces of Gangdong, which Goryeo acquired through the diplomatic efforts of Seo Hui during the first Khitan invasion. Anticipating future conflicts, Goryeo fortified this area with castles and military bases.

 

The Battle of Guizhou, a significant encounter during this period, unfolded in the fields outside Guizhou Castle. General Gang Gam-chan, demonstrating remarkable military leadership, assembled Goryeo forces, including those pursuing the retreating Khitan army and those stationed in the area. This strategic assembly of troops and their subsequent coordinated attack resulted in a decisive victory for Goryeo.

 

Recognizing his military acumen, Goryeo appointed Gang Gam-chan as the head of the Senate and Kang Min-cheom as the deputy marshal to lead the defense against the Khitan army. Gam-chan's tactics, characterized by a blend of surprise and decoy maneuvers, played a pivotal role in repelling the invaders. Notably, during the second Khitan invasion, when Gaegyeong was under threat, Gam-chan opposed the idea of surrender, which was favored by other subjects. Instead, he advocated for a tactical retreat to the south, a move aimed at gaining time to bolster Goryeo's defenses.

 

These events underscore the strategic foresight and bravery of Goryeo's military leaders, particularly Gang Gam-chan, whose contributions were crucial in safeguarding the kingdom against the formidable Khitan forces.

 

Summary of the Goryeo War

 

During the Goryeo Dynasty, the Khitans, a northern ethnic group, invaded and triggered the first and second wars. Now, let's explore the events of the third war. At this time, General Seo Hui successfully conducted diplomatic negotiations, resulting in the acquisition of the six provinces of Gangdong. Let's find out what happened.

 

Why did the Khitans invade in 993?

 

At that time, the Song Dynasty was being established in China. However, the Jin Dynasty, founded by the Jurchen people, was expanding its influence, posing a threat. After the fall of the Song, the Jin severed relations with the Southern Song and pursued a northern expansion policy, asking Goryeo for assistance. However, Goryeo, already engaged in friendly relations with the Song Dynasty, refused. Angered, the Khitans led an army to invade Goryeo, marking the first Khitan conquest.

 

How did Goryeo respond at that time?

 

Goryeo had a strong desire to reclaim the lands of the former Goguryeo and expand northward, so it rejected the Khitan's demands. Additionally, a figure named Gang Jo, who advocated for peace with the Liao Dynasty, overthrew King Mokjong and installed King Hyeonjong, using this as a pretext to launch a military campaign that ev